In a surprising turn, McDonald’s has emerged as a focal point in the 2024 US presidential election, with both Democratic and Republican candidates leveraging the fast-food chain in their campaigns. Former President Donald Trump reignited the fast-food narrative during a campaign stop at a McDonald’s in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania. Wearing an apron, Trump worked the fry station and joked with customers about preparing the food himself. This visit aimed to challenge Vice President Kamala Harris’ assertion that she worked at McDonald’s as a student, a key element of her middle-class background.
“I’ve always wanted to work at McDonald’s, but I never did,” Trump quipped to the restaurant’s owner, Derek Giacomantonio. He claimed Harris’ work history was fabricated, despite no evidence supporting his assertion.
Harris has often highlighted her summer job at a McDonald’s in Alameda, California, during the summer of 1983 while attending Howard University. She describes her responsibilities at the restaurant, including working the fryer and the cash register, as a relatable aspect of her background, emphasizing her understanding of the struggles faced by working-class Americans. During a recent interview, she reiterated, “I did fries. And then I did the cashier.” Her supporters have used this story to underscore her connection to everyday Americans, particularly fast-food workers advocating for better wages.
Trump’s visit to McDonald’s not only aimed to undermine Harris but also to appeal to working-class voters. He praised the hard work of the employees, stating, “These people work hard. They’re great.” However, his critics, including Harris’ spokesperson Joseph Costello, accused him of exploiting working-class people for personal gain. Costello further noted that Trump’s photo-op failed to address real issues affecting fast-food workers, including minimum wage discussions.
As Trump engaged with supporters and local residents, the event attracted a crowd, with streets closed and flags waving. The owner of the McDonald’s expressed mixed feelings about hosting the former president but ultimately agreed, capturing the unique intersection of culture, politics, and fast food in this election cycle.
